Breakthrough: PSA wins two seats in Tilburg University’s university council
New student party PSA has made an impressive start in the elections for the university council of Tilburg University. In its first-ever participation, the party immediately secured two seats, breaking the long-standing duopoly of the established parties Front and SAM, who won four and three seats respectively.
With two seats, PSA (Progressive Student Alliance) instantly positions itself as a serious player in the university council. Lead candidate Panka Toma responded enthusiastically: ‘We’re very happy with this result. Two seats is an incredible achievement for a new party. It shows that many students want to break the status quo and truly seek change.’
Despite losing one seat, Front remains the largest student party. Lead candidate Storm Barendrecht described the result as ‘bittersweet’: ‘It’s been a tough campaign, and we’re still the biggest student party. At the same time, losing a seat is of course disappointing.’
SAM also lost one seat compared to last year. As a result, the University Council now has a more diverse composition, with three parties together representing student interests.
Voter Turnout Continues to Decline
The elections took place this week on a sun-drenched campus. The beautiful weather created a lively atmosphere, with students strolling past the various campaign booths. PSA, Front, and SAM all campaigned actively with flyers, free drinks, food, and games.
This year’s voter turnout stands at 26 percent—1 percent lower than last year. Although turnout has been declining for years, the emergence of a new party seems to have sparked some renewed engagement among students.
Active Parties Dominate Faculty Councils
Elections were also held for the faculty councils. There, the so-called Active parties, affiliated with Front, remain dominant.
With seven seats, Active TiSEM is the largest and only student party in the council of the School of Economics and Management. At the School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Active TSHD holds four seats, while Endurante has two. In the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Active is again in the lead with five seats, while Student Party Stimulus has two.
A notable exception is the Law School. There, the Vrijspraak party holds a strong position with five seats, while Active TLS has to settle for two.
PSA only participated in the elections for the University Council, but it may also become active in the faculty councils in the future. According to Toma, this is just the beginning: ‘We’ll do everything we can to deliver on our promises. Students want a progressive direction—and that’s what we’re going to offer.’
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